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Historic goods shed cafe inspired by love
A labour of love, leading to a new cafe at the heart of a South Otago community, had a suitably romantic inspiration.
SH8 reopens after truck and trailer rollover
SH8 reopens after truck and trailer rollover
State Highway 8 near Lawrence has reopened this morning after a truck and trailer rollover last night blocked the key southern route.
SH8 closed as truck rolls near Lawrence
SH8 closed as truck rolls near Lawrence
Special emergency appliances have been dispatched to State Highway 8 near Lawrence, where a truck and trailer carrying an excavator has rolled and is leaking diesel.
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Chance to ‘reset and refocus’
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Chance to ‘reset and refocus’
As councils across the South look ahead to a busy year in local politics, the Otago Daily Times speaks to leaders about what’s on the horizon for 2026.
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Tributes flow for former Clutha mayor
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Tributes flow for former Clutha mayor Juno Hayes
Family, friends and fellow political figures have paid tribute to former Clutha district mayor Cyril Edwin "Juno" Hayes following his death on Monday.
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Backing down on bylaw review ‘cowardly’: advocate
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Backing down on bylaw review ‘cowardly’: advocate
An environmental group is calling a southern council’s step away from further beach wildlife protection "cowardly".
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Man stabbed bedroom wall after partner fled argument
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Man stabbed bedroom wall after partner fled argument
A Milton man stabbed holes in his walls with a knife and was so belligerent during his arrest he had to be transported in a custody van.
New fishing access points set up on Catlins River
New fishing access points set up on Catlins River
Five new public fishing access points have been established on the upper Catlins River, Otago Fish & Game has announced.
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Freedom camping problems 'far less frequent'
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Freedom camping problems 'far less frequent'
Freedom camping behaviour in tourist hotspot the Catlins appears to be improving, thanks to a fresh approach from officials.
Volunteer work made town a ‘destination’
Volunteer work made town a ‘destination’
When John Burgess was much, much younger, there was "bugger all" in Owaka.
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Widespread disease still a concern
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Widespread disease still a concern
Bird pox is widespread in Otago and remains a concern for conservationists protecting native species.
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Wind farm project aired at meetings
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Wind farm project aired at meetings
Turbines at a major South Otago wind farm could be turning in just five years, its backer says.
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Delighted with tomb’s heritage listing
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Delighted with tomb’s heritage listing
Lawrence has a new heritage landmark, after a prominent gold rush figure’s tomb received official listing this week.
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Significant funding boost for club, school
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Significant funding boost for club, school
Christmas has come early for two Clutha communities, with news they have received almost half of the Otago Community Trust’s $1.2 million December funding round.
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Tensions rise in remote Waipori after drug raids
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Tensions rise in remote Waipori after drug raids
Officials are battling to quell rising tensions in a remote South Otago hamlet, following police drug raids this week.
Local Legend: Wendy Miller
Local Legend: Wendy Miller
Silver Fern Farms and The Clutha Leader’s last Local Legend for 2025 is Owaka Christmas cook Wendy Miller.
Council’s battery recycling scheme hailed a success
Council’s battery recycling scheme hailed a success
More than half a tonne of "dead" batteries had been collected since Clutha District Council’s battery recycling initiative began in July, proving the scheme was already a big success, council waste...
Alternative view on climate change given
Alternative view on climate change given
About 30 farmers and local people attended a presentation by Emeritus Prof Will Happer at Balclutha Town and Country Club last Friday.
Owaka hit-and-run killer badly beaten by ex-cellmate
Owaka hit-and-run killer badly beaten by ex-cellmate
Double-bunking in a cell at the Otago Corrections Facility, Dion James Baker and Alun Garth McLachlan forged an unlikely friendship.
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Christmas to be extra joyous - at home
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Christmas to be extra joyous - at home
For one West Otago family, being able to spend Christmas at home together is a cause for even greater joy than most.